President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored his administration’s commitment to empowering Filipino educators during the oath-taking of newly promoted teachers and school heads from Bulacan and Pampanga on 19 February 2026, at the City of San Jose Del Monte Sports Complex.

Addressing the 1,991 personnel promoted under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) program, Marcos acknowledged the challenges many teachers face balancing responsibilities at school, in their communities, and at home.

“For a long time, some of you have lost hope of ever being promoted,” he said. “With so many responsibilities, you may have thought you would retire without ever seeing your efforts recognized.”

“I will not allow your sacrifices to go unrewarded,” he added. “That’s why we are taking steps to ensure more teachers can move up in rank. As I promised, no teacher will retire still at Teacher I.”

Marcos highlighted the vital role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future:

“I have always believed that the true measure of a nation’s progress is the kind of future we prepare for our youth. Policies and programs set the direction, but it is through you, our teachers, that these aspirations take root and grow.”

The ceremony included teachers promoted from Teacher II to Teacher VII, Master Teacher I to Master Teacher III, and school principals moving from Principal I to Principal IV, reflecting the administration’s effort to address long-standing promotion bottlenecks and recognize professional growth, competence, and years of service.